THE TIES THAT BIND

The carbonated soft-drink category appears to have lost some of its pop.Reports of sluggish nationwide sales have plagued the CSD market in recent months. Perhaps most disappointing of all has been the underwhelming performance of many new products -- particularly the mid-calorie colas introduced at the beginning of summer by the leaders in the space, Coca-Cola and Pepsi."Coke's C2 and Pepsi Edge

The carbonated soft-drink category appears to have lost some of its pop.

Reports of sluggish nationwide sales have plagued the CSD market in recent months. Perhaps most disappointing of all has been the underwhelming performance of many new products -- particularly the mid-calorie colas introduced at the beginning of summer by the leaders in the space, Coca-Cola and Pepsi.